Damage to the skeletal system in syphilis

This article presents a literature review. Musculoskeletal involvement in syphilis remains a significant clinical challenge, especially in the context of modern diagnostic technologies. Skeletal lesions can occur at any stage of the disease and manifest as periostitis, osteitis, and osteomyelitis, which are characterized by gummatous inflammatory processes of varying localization and degrees of destruction. Statistical data indicate that bone lesions are extremely rare in the early stages of syphilis. However, in tertiary syphilis, their frequency increases significantly and reaches 20—30%. The skull, nasal bones, long bones, and clavicle are affected most commonly. Notably, symptoms may be minimal or absent, complicating timely diagnosis and leading to delayed detection. The development of modern diagnostic technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, could ensure early detection of bone lesions in late-stage syphilis, which would facilitate the timely treatment initiation and reduce the risk of severe complications. Given the rising prevalence of late-stage syphilis and the availability of advanced diagnostics, improving the methodology for detecting occult changes in the musculoskeletal system is extremely important, contributing to increased treatment efficacy and the prevention of patient disability.